DETROIT — Legendary aviator Amelia Earhart helped launch the new Essex-Terraplane automobile during a major industry event on July 21, 1932, in Detroit.
The Hudson Motor Car Company introduced the Essex-Terraplane “with sensational vigor,” according to period reports, drawing more than 2,000 car dealers from 40 states to witness the unveiling. Earhart, already a national icon for her aviation accomplishments, participated in the launch to promote the brand’s image of innovation and power.
The Essex-Terraplane was a compact yet powerful vehicle, constructed with a steel frame and precision engineering that drew praise from early adopters. Among them was aviation pioneer Orville Wright, who reportedly purchased one of the first models.
The launch received widespread media attention across the country and marked a milestone in automotive marketing, blending celebrity endorsement with a bold new product debut.